Europe Moves Toward an NBA-Style League in Search of Profits

For months, rumors have circulated about the NBA’s increasing interest in European basketball, with plans to launch a new league featuring up to ten teams.

According to the sports business site “Sportico,” NBA franchise owners are evaluating a proposal that includes eight to ten teams, potentially incorporating up to four current Euro League clubs—the premier basketball competition in Europe.

The proposed league would also feature new teams in cities like London and Paris, with an estimated project value of around $500 million.

Under this plan, the NBA would sell permanent franchise slots to external investors, including sovereign wealth funds, private equity firms, wealthy individuals, or existing European basketball clubs. This model would generate substantial profits through an integrated sports business system.

Deputy NBA Commissioner Mark Tatum previously stated in October that there is an “untapped opportunity” to develop basketball in Europe, affirming: “I have no doubt that there is a great opportunity for the game to grow on the European continent.”

He added: “What we are really focusing on is working with FIBA and our partners in Europe to capitalize on this untapped opportunity and continue developing basketball there.”

Tatum pointed out that despite basketball’s significant popularity in Europe, its share of the commercial market is “less than 1%.” He continued: “Therefore, we believe there is potential to establish a more advanced model for European basketball.”

An NBA spokesperson confirmed that the league would discuss the European project this week, stressing that any new competition would be launched “in partnership” with FIBA.

He stated, “During the owners’ board meeting this week, the league will present a report on its exploration of a new men’s basketball league in Europe, in collaboration with FIBA.”

While reports indicate that no official vote is scheduled during this week’s meetings in New York, NBA team owners could decide on the proposal “at any time” in the future.

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